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{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}  
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Species Infobox
{{References}}
{{Disambig header|the species|the armor|HUNTER-class Mjolnir}}
{{Species infobox
|name=Mgalekgolo<br />(''Ophis congregatio'')
|name=Mgalekgolo<br />(''Ophis congregatio'')
|pagename=Mgalekgolo
|othernames=
|othernames=
Hunter
Hunter
<br>Can o' Worms
<br>Can o' Worms
<br>Ogre
<br>Ogre
|image=[[File:H4 profile - Mgalekgolo.png|300px]]
<br>Worm-guts
|image=[[File:HINF-Hunter.png|325px]]
|homeworld=[[Te]]
|homeworld=[[Te]]
|height={{Convert|12|ft|cm}}<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''': ''page 141''</ref>
|height=12'1" (368.7 cm)-12'3" (373.4 cm)<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 141''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}
|weight={{Convert|10500|lb|kg}}<ref name="ENC"/>
|weight={{Convert|10000|lb|kg}}-{{Convert|11000|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}
|distinctions=A single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]].
|distinctions=A single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]]
|lifespan=
|lifespan=
|notable-group=[[Covenant]]
|notable-group=*[[Covenant]]
<br>[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
*[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
<br>[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]]
*[[Joyous Exultation Covenant]]
<br>[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]]
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
*[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]]
*[[Banished]]
|notable-person=
|notable-person=
[[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]  
*"[[Colony]]"
<br>[[Igido Nosa Hurru]]
*[[Igido Nosa Hurru]]
<br>[[Paruto Xida Konna]]
*[[Magsanggalang]]
<br>[[Waruna Xida Yotno]]
*[[Magtanggol]]
*[[Makipagtunggali]]
*[[Nakagagalit]]
*[[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]
*[[Paruto Xida Konna]]
*[[Waruna Xida Yotno]]
* "[[Myriad]]"
}}
}}
{{Quote|They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things...|[[Bungie]]}}
{{Quote|They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things.|[[Bungie]]<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_081409 '''Bungie.net''', ''Bungie Weekly Update 08/14/09'']</ref>}}


The '''Mgalekgolo'''<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> (''Ophis congregatio'', meaning "serpent union"<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 '''HBO Forums''': ''Bestiaium Latin names translated'']</ref>), is a gestalt of [[Lekgolo]], which are small worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. Of the myriad Lekgolo collectives, the best known is the Mgalekgolo or '''Hunter''', a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault. Ironically, the Mgalekgolo is among the least common Lekgolo configurations, but due to their formidable combat capabilities they are most commonly fielded by the [[Covenant]].<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
The '''Mgalekgolo'''<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> (''Ophis congregatio'', meaning "serpent union"),<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 '''HBO Forums''': ''Bestiaium Latin names translated'']</ref> is a gestalt of [[Lekgolo]], which are small worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. Of the myriad Lekgolo collectives, the best known is the Mgalekgolo or '''Hunter''', a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault. Ironically, the Mgalekgolo is among the least common Lekgolo configurations, but due to their formidable combat capabilities they are most commonly fielded by the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} While the term "Mgalekgolo" is formally limited to this particular type of Lekgolo gestalt with the other forms having different names,{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} it is sometimes applied to other Lekgolo colonies as well, such as that used to operate the {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}, or the [[Goliath]]s employed by the [[Banished]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 163''</ref>


==History==  
==History==
===The Ark and reseeding===
<!--This section describes the history of the Mgalekgolo configuration; the history of the entire Lekgolo species is described in the Lekgolo article.-->
The Lekgolo were one of many species indexed by the [[Librarian]] as part of the [[Conservation Measure]] and preserved on [[Installation 00]] from the firing of the [[Halo Array]]. They were subsequently returned to their homeworld, where they began rebuilding their culture.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
{{Quote|The Hunters have come to our aid, Arbiter. They will fight by our side.|A [[Special Operations Sangheili]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]].{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}}}
After the formation of the [[Covenant]], early experiments with the [[Luminary|Luminaries]] reverse-engineered from the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] in ''[[High Charity]]'' led the Covenant to the Lekgolo homeworld Te, which was located near [[Urs]], the home system of the [[Sangheili]]. While the [[San'Shyuum]] and [[Sangheili]] hoped to find a treasure trove of Forerunner artifacts, they instead found hives of Lekgolo inside orbital rings surrounding the planet. The rings were in fact the destroyed remains of an ancient Forerunner installation in orbit. The relics had been the Lekgolo's food for millennia, and the orbital rings were actually composed of digested-and-destroyed Forerunner relics that some of the Lekgolo had been consuming.<ref name="ch">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 269-271''</ref>


===Development of civilization===
[[File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Jeht facing off against naked Mgalekgolo in their natural unarmored form.]]
In the years that followed the firing of the Halo Array, the Lekgolo began to rebuild society. Prior to [[784 BCE]], the Lekgolo had discovered space travel and colonized Forerunner installations orbiting their homeworld. Some of the colonies would begin to feed on the Forerunner alloys, gradually destroying the orbital structures.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> However, the Lekgolo colonies had very differing diets, as some would eat only Forerunner alloys, while other would eat everything ''except'' Forerunner materials.<ref name="ch">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 269-271''</ref>
Enraged by the Lekgolo's "desecration" of Forerunner relics, the Covenant began a military campaign against the Lekgolo. After facing considerable difficulty eradicating the creatures,{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} [[Arbiter]] [[Jeht 'Lcmutee]] was sent to study the Lekgolo for a full year on [[Rantu]], one of Te's moons. It was there that the Arbiter witnessed the Lekgolo combine into Mgalekgolo to battle him, forming around a series of rocks to support their bipedal forms.{{Ref/Game|H2A|Detail=''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 8]]''}} Recognizing the potential of the gestalts, 'Lcmutee returned to ''[[High Charity]]'' and suggested that the Lekgolo be inducted into the Covenant. However, the Lekgolo initially resisted, leading to a conflict between them and the Covenant. While the Mgalekgolo won most of the time on the ground, they faced extinction and were forced into the Covenant by the superior starship technology of the Sangheili.<ref name="HCESGuide">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets]]''</ref> This event later came to be known amongst the Covenant as the "[[Taming of the Lekgolo]]". The Covenant may have used [[Sharquoi]] armor designs for the Mgalekgolo armor.<ref name="Envoy186">'''[[Halo: Envoy]]''', ''page 186''</ref>


After the formation of the [[Covenant]], early experiments with the [[Luminary|Luminaries]] reverse-engineered from the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] in ''[[High Charity]]'' led the Covenant to the Lekgolo homeworld Te, which was located near [[Urs]], the home system of the [[Sangheili]]. While the [[San 'Shyuum]] and [[Sangheili]] hoped to find a treasure trove of Forerunner artifacts, they instead found hives of Lekgolo inside orbital rings surrounding the planet. The rings were in fact the destroyed remains of an ancient Forerunner installation in orbit. The relics had been the Lekgolo's food for millennia, and the orbital rings were actually composed of digested-and-destroyed Forerunner relics that some of the Lekgolo had been consuming.<ref name="ch"/>
The Mgalekgolo gestalts, armed with thick armor plates and [[assault cannon]]s, would come to serve the Covenant as shock troops. Numerous Mgalekgolo participated in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. During the [[Great Schism]], most Mgalekgolo pairs sided with the Sangheili, though others remained with the [[Prophet of Truth]] and the main body of the Covenant.<ref name="TGJ">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> There is no known reason for the split in loyalty.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}


===The Covenant===
During the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|further conflicts]] in the wake of the [[Human-Covenant War]] many Mgalekgolo would fight on behalf of [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|new Covenant order]] against humanity and [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. These Mgalekgolo participated in the battles of [[Requiem]], [[Nuusra]], [[Sunaion]], and [[Genesis]].{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|H5}} Others would remain loyal to [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and his Swords of Sanghelios.<ref>[https://www.halowaypointstore.com/p/halo_swords_of_sanghelios_premium_tee.html ''Halo Waypoint Store'' - ''Swords of Sanghelios Tee'']</ref> Several would join [[Vata 'Gajat]]'s [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenary group]] and partake in the [[Battle of Ealen IV]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 2''</ref> Mgalekgolo that were a part of the [[Banished]] were unusually aggressive and may have been forced into service.<ref name="log hunters">''Halo Wars 2'', ''Phoenix Logs - Hunters''</ref> These Mgalekgolo would be deployed by the Banished against the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} during the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|HW2}} During [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]], a Banished Mgalekgolo known as [[Colony]] led an effort to destroy the ''Spirit of Fire'' with a Forerunner {{Class|Despair|fighter}}.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Detail=[[Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER|Operation: SPEARBREAKER]]}}
[[File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|thumb|250px|An Arbiter facing off against unarmored Mgalekgolo.]]
The Covenant's Sangheili warriors faced heavy resistance from powerful Lekgolo gestalts, whose physiology gave them a tremendous and unexpected advantage in ground combat on the high-gravity world of Te, not only hampering, but even halting the Covenant's advance.<ref name="Bestiarum"/><ref name="ch"/> In ground combat campaigns the Lekgolo were mostly victorious, despite the valiant efforts of the [[Sangheili]].<ref name="Bestiarum"/> A Sangheili [[Unidentified Arbiter (Taming of the Lekgolo)|Arbiter]] sent to study the Lekgolo for a full year eventually suggested that the Covenant make an agreement with the Lekgolo and use them to an advantage in studying Forerunner artifacts. Thus terms for their induction into the Covenant were eventually met, despite communication difficulties. This event later came to be known amongst the Covenant as the "[[Taming of the Lekgolo]]". In their agreement to join with the Covenant, the Lekgolo worms, which fed on specific minerals, were consigned to investigate the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] that resided in ''[[High Charity]]'' and help uncover its inner workings.<ref name="ch"/> Their price for this trade was access to the Covenant's superior [[Slipstream space]] technologies and exploration of the Covenant space lanes.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>


The Mgalekgolo gestalts, armed with thick armor plates and [[assault cannon]]s, would come to serve the Covenant as shock troops. Numerous Mgalekgolo participated in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. During the [[Great Schism]], most Mgalekgolo pairs sided with the Sangheili and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], though others remained with the [[Prophet of Truth]] and the main body of the Covenant. There is no known reason for the split in loyalty.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref> It is likely that the separatist Mgalekgolo split from the Covenant due to their respect for the Sangheili while those that remained with the loyalists may have done so out of loyalty to their agreement with the Covenant or fear of retribution.
During the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]] in [[2560#May|May 2560]], the Master Chief faced a number of Mgalekgolo in service of the Banished. His new AI companion, [[the Weapon]], was confused when he identified the creatures as Hunters, having no idea what a Banished or a Hunter even was and then deciding that she didn't want to know the answer to what they hunted. One of the targets of opportunity that the Master Chief went after on the Halo ring was a Mgalekgolo pair known as [[Myriad]] who, much like [[Colony]], trended towards a more individualized identity rather than being a part of a subservient hivemind. Another Mgalekgolo pair were sent after the Master Chief by [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]] in the arena on the second level of the [[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]] while the Master Chief was [[Battle of the House of Reckoning|fighting]] his way through the Banished stronghold in order to rescue [[Fernando Esparza]].{{Ref/Game|Id=Hi|Hi}}


===Post-war===  
==Description==
During the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|further conflicts]] in the wake of the [[Human-Covenant War]] many would fight on behalf of [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|new Covenant order]] against humanity.<ref>'''Halo 4'''</ref> These Mgalekgolo participated in the battles of [[Requiem]] and [[Ealen IV]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 2'''</ref>
===Culture===
{{Main|Lekgolo#Culture}}
Mgalekgolo almost never associate or communicate with other species other than the [[Sangheili]]. They are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant to the "lesser" species, and are contemptuous to their foes.{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}


==Description==
===Anatomy and physiology===
===Anatomy and physiology===
[[File:Mgalekgolo back.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Lekgolo]] worms on a Mgalekgolo's exposed back.]]
[[File:Mgalekgolo back.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Lekgolo]] worms on a Mgalekgolo's exposed back.]]
{{main|Lekgolo}}
{{main|Lekgolo}}
A Mgalekgolo is not a single organism, but rather a collective of small, orange, eel-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]]. In order to form a Mgalekgolo, dozens of individual Lekgolo bond with one another both physically and neurologically to form a single "hive-minded" community.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 267''</ref> These gestalts are capable of manifesting in several different forms according to what goal they are striving to achieve and the amount of Lekgolo worms that are present. Their society is predominated by this combination of being able to create exponentially more intelligent creatures. The Mgalekgolo, employed by the Covenant as heavy infantry, is the most common form seen in combat during the [[Human-Covenant War]], but is actually one of the more rarer and smaller forms in the Lekgolo society, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
A Mgalekgolo is not a single organism, but rather a collective of small, orange, eel-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]]. In order to form a Mgalekgolo, dozens of individual Lekgolo bond with one another both physically and neurologically to form a single "hive-minded" community.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 267''</ref> The Mgalekgolo is the most common form seen in combat during the [[Human-Covenant War]], but is actually one of the rarer and smaller forms in the Lekgolo society, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Their primary combat tactic is an approximation of a hunter-killer formation, hence the name "Hunter".<ref name="wp lekgolo">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/lekgolo-mgalekgolo-hunter '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Lekgolo/Mgalekgolo'']</ref> Because of their combined neural nets' sensitivity to their surroundings, Mgalekgolo can think and work as an effective combat unit without even using verbal communication. They can also locate their enemies even without directly "seeing" them, such as when they are facing the opposite direction.


Because of their make-up of several hundred worms instead of being a single large organism, the Lekgolo are one of the only species in the Covenant that cannot be assimilated by the [[Flood]], as their unique physiology does not allow the organism to access a central nervous system or control them to any capacity. As such, there has never been a Mgalekgolo [[Flood combat form]], though the flesh of the Lekgolo can most likely be used by the Flood simply for its biomass.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''Wages of Sin'': ''page 301''</ref>
Mgalekgolo do not use vocal chords to speak, but instead vibrate their bodies to make a low rumble to produce speech. They are capable of mimicking the language of other species, forming words and sentences that are "felt" rather than heard. Their quiet nature among other races of the Covenant is probably a result of difficulty speaking with other Covenant races. The known names of some Mgalekgolo seem to imply that they use very simple vowels and only a few consonants.


The collection of eels that make up a Mgalekgolo's body are relatively unintelligent at the most basic level, but can form complex thoughts and emerge as a conscious individual when they combine into larger masses that communicate through chemical and electrical means. The neural net that Mgalekgolo develop enables them to be incredibly strong and very sensitive to their surroundings, allowing them to locate their enemies even without directly "seeing" them, such as when they are facing the opposite direction. Because of this, Mgalekgolo can think and work as an effective combat unit without even using verbal communication.
Mgalekgolo usually stand between twelve to thirteen feet tall, but during combat they hunch themselves over to protect their vulnerable neck and midsection, reducing their height to roughly eight feet. They fight using [[assault cannon]]s integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous two-ton pavise shield made of an alloy derived from the same [[Nanolaminate hull plating|material]] that forms Covenant warship hulls.{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}} Mgalekgolo body armor is eight centimeters thick, with the shield being even thicker.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 218''</ref> Their shields and armor protect them from almost every form of [[plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] or ballistic weaponry available to Covenant and human infantry alike, and the shield is a powerful [[melee]] tool capable of crushing anything in its path and allowing the Mgalekgolo to neutralize most enemies in close combat. However their heavy protection is inadequate against dedicated anti-tank weapons, with [[M19 surface-to-surface missile|102mm HEAT warheads]],<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 183''</ref> [[M149 Magellan|105mm recoiless rifles]],<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 363''</ref> and [[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon|90mm high-velocity tank cannons]] taking them out with ease.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 242''</ref> The [[M149 Magellan]] 105mm recoiless rifle is even capable of over-penetrating both the pavise and the armor with a delayed fuse round.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''': ''[[Prototype]]''</ref> There are a few weak spots in the armor however, such as the lower back where they are vulnerable to regular weaponry. However, due to their sheer size and speed, it is difficult for enemies to hit these spots. Their arm-mounted shield was the basis for an avenue of [[UNSC]] research which produced an [[UNSC shield|early prototype]] shield of human origin.{{Ref/Game|H2V|Easy difficulty shield ([[:File:H2V EasyDifficulty.png|File link]])}}


==Culture==
The assault cannon the Mgalekgolo wields operates in two modes; one firing a single explosive capsule of incendiary fluid,{{Ref/Reuse|H4}}<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}} the other spraying the fluid out like a beam.{{Ref/Game|Id=H5G|H5G}}<ref name="H2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref><ref name="H3">'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref>
[[File:Hunter 3.jpg|thumb|250px|A Mgalekgolo fighting in a Forerunner structure on [[Installation 00]].]]
Mgalekgolo almost never associate or even communicate with the other races in the [[Covenant Empire]]. Sangheili are the sole exception; Hunters appreciate and acknowledge the Sangheili warriors' thoughts and adeptness in combat. To the other races of the Covenant, however, the Mgalekgolo are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant, and they are utterly contemptuous of their foes.<ref name="CovenantPrimer"/> Mgalekgolo have no qualms about committing friendly fire against the "lesser" races, like [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]]; during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], a Hunter was seen running over and killing an unaware Kig-Yar.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 222''</ref> In battle, Mgalekgolo will attack foes regardless of any allies that happen to be in their line of fire.<ref name="ODST">'''Halo 3: ODST'''</ref>  


Many members of the Covenant are mystified and confused by the Mgalekgolo; their way of life is almost as alien to the Covenant as that of the [[Flood]]. A Sangheili [[Fleet Master]] once noted that Mgalekgolo were known to tear opponents apart with their "bare hands" whilst in a blood frenzy, and then suddenly pause to recite war poetry. It has also been said that Mgalekgolo meditate in their spare time, or before battle.<ref name="p190+1"/>  
===Bond brothers===
When a single Mgalekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independent Lekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers", or "mates".<ref name="Halo: The Flood">'''Halo: The Flood''', ''"Chapter ??"'', ''page ??''</ref> Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which means that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} Bonded Mgalekgolo colonies are dropped into battle together by the Covenant, as the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] learned: where you find a Mgalekgolo, there is always another close by. If one of the bonded colonies is killed, the other will go into a frenzied state, much like the berserk state of a [[Jiralhanae]], or the suicidal charge of a desperate Unggoy. If left alone for a long period of time, however, they will adopt a "tactical split personality" of shooting followed by melee attacks. On one occasion a Mgalekgolo whose bond brother was killed went berserk killing its allies aboard the crashed ''[[Radiant Perception]]'' and eventually became suicidal.<ref name="SAS">'''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''', ''page ???''</ref>


When a single colony of Lekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independent Lekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers", or "mates".<ref name="Halo: The Flood">'''Halo: The Flood''', ''"Chapter ??"'', ''page ??"</ref>  
===Naming===
Mgalekgolo have three names: a personal name, a bond name, and a line name. When written with the Roman or Latin alphabet, the three names can be transposed together as one single name or separated by spaces.
*The personal name is given at their "birth".{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}
*The bond name, or their middle name, is taken between bonded pairs. Examples of some Mgalekgolo names include [[Igido Nosa Hurru]] and [[Ogada Nosa Fasu]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 163''</ref>
*The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Mgalekgolo of its ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, its offspring will have its personal name as their line name.{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}


The armor and [[assault cannon]]s used by the Mgalekgolo were given to them by the Sangheili after the former joined the Covenant. Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which means that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.<ref name="ch"/> Bonded Mgalekgolo colonies are dropped into battle together by the Covenant, as the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] learned: where you find a Mgalekgolo, there is always another close by. If one of the bonded colonies is killed, the other will go into a frenzied state, much like the berserk state of a [[Jiralhanae]], or the suicidal charge of a desperate Unggoy. If left alone for a long period of time, however, they will adopt a "tactical split personality" of shooting followed by melee attacks.
==Ranking system==
[[File:ODST TayariPlaza06.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Edward Buck]] fighting a [[Mgalekgolo Flak|golden Hunter]] on [[Tayari Plaza]].]]
Unlike most Covenant forces, Mgalekgolo seem to possess presumably no visible rank. As they are deployed more like equipment or weapons platforms rather than conventional troops, rank may simply not apply for them.{{citation needed}}


===Role in the Covenant===
However, they can be deployed independently of other Covenant troops, which may indicate that a level of independence and responsibility may be granted, thus meaning that they may have a high enough rank to be trusted by themselves. During the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], Mgalekgolo are seen guarding the crystal in [[Côte d'Azur]], which is retrieved by [[Blue Team]]. One of these Mgalekgolo killed a Kig-Yar by stepping on it,<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 222''</ref> demonstrating the Lekgolo colonies' characteristic disregard for the lives of other species, whom they generally view as annoyances rather than allies.{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}} During the [[Onyx Conflict]], some Mgalekgolo apparently had command of lower-ranking Sangheili, even killing one of them for failing to follow orders, signifying they may have a higher military rank in the Covenant military than previously indicated.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 358''</ref>
The most commonly seen variety of Mgalekgolo are hulking bipedal forms used for service within the Covenant military.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> In this form, they are the strongest and most resilient combatants in the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo 3 Instruction Manual'''</ref> They usually stand between twelve to thirteen feet tall, but during combat they hunch themselves over to protect their vulnerable neck and midsection, reducing their height to roughly eight feet. Much larger bipedal Lekgolo assemblages that could easily be measured in stories have also been observed, but appear to be uncommon; the largest known Lekgolo forms reside within the armored shells of Covenant [[Scarab]] and [[Harvester]] walkers, the latter being known as a [[Sbaolekgolo]].<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 130''</ref>


Mgalekgolo fight using [[assault cannon]]s integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous shield made of an alloy derived from the same material that forms Covenant warship hulls.{{Verify_source}} This shield protects them from almost every form of [[plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] or ballistic weaponry available to Covenant and human infantry alike, and is a powerful [[melee]] tool capable of crushing anything in its path and allowing the Mgalekgolo to sweep away most enemies in close combat.
During the [[Battle of Mombasa]], Mgalekgolo appeared in two different forms in two different colors: the normal blue-armored Mgalekgolo that are armed with an [[assault cannon]] that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel, and a [[Mgalekgolo Flak|gold-armored Mgalekgolo]] armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel.<ref name="ODST">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'''</ref>


The assault cannon the Mgalekgolo wields operates in two modes; one firing a single explosive capsule of incendiary fluid,<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref> the other spraying the fluid out like a beam.<ref>'''Halo 2'''</ref><ref name="Halo 3">'''Halo 3'''</ref>
Several Mgalekgolo under the command of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] were given the leading rank of [[Swarmlord]], and their prowess led them to be employed as simulated enemies in UNSC [[War Games]].{{Ref/Mode|Id=H5G|H5G|Warzone}}


===Religion===
By 2559, the Banished also utilized two specialist Mgalekgolo ranks, the defensive [[Mgalekgolo Ironclad]] and the aggressive [[Mgalekgolo Scarred]]{{Ref/Mode|Id=HW2|HW2|Blitz}}, in addition to the standard Mgalekgolo. The Banished Lekgolo forces on the [[Ark]] were also found to be directed by powerful [[Mgalekgolo Captain]]s, under the command of the pair known as "Colony". These Captains are linked directly to "Colony" and Banished Lekgolo colonies operate at full efficiency while Captains are on the field.<ref name="LML">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/leggo-my-lekgolo '''Halo Waypoint''' ''Canon Fodder - Leggo my Lekgolo'']</ref> During the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]], the Banished also deployed the red armored, more aggressive rank of [[Ardent Mgalekgolo]].{{Ref/Mode|Id=HI|HI|Campaign}}
Mgalekgolo religious beliefs are poorly understood. While the Lekgolo joined the Covenant for its access to space trade routes and starships, rather than any real dedication to the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]], at least some hold a concept of an "afterlife".<ref name="Bestiarum"/><ref name="Halo: The Flood"/> Many Lekgolo meditate in their spare time, or recite war poetry before or after battle, showing a more refined nature than would be believed of the hulking, savage warriors.<ref name="p190+1"/> The fact that some allied themselves with the Sangheili during the Great Schism, while others remained with the original Covenant body, is evidence that individual beliefs play a major part in Mgalekgolo religion.<ref name="Halo 3"/> Anything further than this is speculation, as Lekgolo culture is extremely reclusive. Even their fellow Covenant know little about them other than that they continue to follow their own cultural traditions, rather than the homogenized religion of the wider Covenant.<ref name="CovenantPrimer">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=697 '''Bungie.net''': ''The Covenant Primer'']</ref><ref name="Bestiarum"/>
{{Clear}}


===Language and communication===
==Trivia==
Little is known about the Mgalekgolo language. The known names of some Mgalekgolo seem to imply that they use very simple vowels, and few consonants—not nearly as many as are contained in the English alphabet. It is known that Mgalekgolo do not use vocal chords to speak; instead, they seem to vibrate the [[Lekgolo]] in their bodies to produce sound.<ref name="p190+1"/> Their quiet nature amongst other races of the Covenant results either from difficulty speaking with other Covenant races or difficulty tolerating other Covenant races.<ref name="p190+1">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 277''</ref> For inter-species communications, Mgalekgolo are capable of speaking at least the Sangheili language.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 198''</ref>
===Production notes===
{{Other languages
|fr={{Tooltip|''Les Hunters''|(Anglicism)}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.<br>
{{Tooltip|''Les Chasseurs''|The Hunters}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.
|es={{Tooltip|''Los cazadores''|The Hunters}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.<br>
{{Tooltip|''Los Hunters''|Anglicism}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.
}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
*''Halo: The Flood'', mentions that Mgalekgolo have skin and a jutting spine. This is incorrect, as they were later revealed to be a compound of small worm-like creatures. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the worms may form a skin-like membrane on the outside of their colony for protection against more casual damage, and in ''Halo 3 ''a metal column can be seen after the back armor plating has been detached, perhaps forming an artificial "spine" for vertical support. Strangely, the reference to Mgalekgolo having spines was kept in the 2010 re-release of the novel.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''' (2010), page 181</ref>
*At first, Mgalekgolo were meant to comprise the whole of [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|Heretic]] forces on the [[Threshold gas mine]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3 Essentials]]''': ''Disk ??''</ref>
*The Mgalekgolo was inspired by the [[marathongame:Pfhor|Pfhor]] [[marathongame:Hunter|Hunter]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series, as well as by the [[marathongame:Drinniol|Drinniol]], or Hulk, from the original ''Marathon''. However, the Pfhor Hunter is actually a class of power armored soldier with a shoulder-mounted cannon rather than an arm-mounted cannon. The Drinniol also inspired the creation of the [[Sharquoi|Drinol]], Covenant species that was designed for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' but was cut during development.
*No Mgalekgolo are ever seen supporting the [[John-117|Master Chief]] during the events of ''[[Halo 3]]''. This is because in the making of ''Halo 3'', [[Bungie]] did not want to confuse players by having them with both allies and enemies.
*Despite appearing on the cover of ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' none actually appear in game.
*In the [[Halo Legends]] episode ''[[The Duel]]'', the Mgalekgolo are shown to be at least 50 feet tall. This was explained by [[Frank O'Connor]] saying that a Hunter's appearance changes due to the gravity and environment.


Mgalekgolo tend to make very deep, low rumbling noises when detecting enemies or when wounded. When dying, they seem to emit a low-pitched scream. They also seem to chuckle after a kill. When angered, Mgalekgolo are also capable of releasing a loud, echoing roar.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''', ''Part 5''</ref> Aside from that, Mgalekgolo barely talk. They are, however, capable of mimicking the language of other species via subsonic vibrations, forming words and sentences that are "felt rather than heard".<ref name="p190+1">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 190-191''</ref><ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo 3: ODST'' Field Guide]</ref>
===Gameplay===
*When combating Mgalekgolo, a player can 'leapfrog' the charging melee attack, either jumping above or to the side of the Mgalekgolo. This exposes the rear armor to a quick shotgun blast or grenade stick, often resulting in death on lower difficulties. Although this tactic does not work as well on ''Halo 3: ODST'', simply circling around behind the Mglekgolo at the right time works the same way.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', it is possible to splatter a Mgalekgolo with an [[M274 Mongoose]].
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Mgalekgolo are not harmed by [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]]s. This may be because you're not supposed to have fuel rod guns in campaign, or it may be a precaution meant to prevent Mgalekgolo from injuring each other when fighting.
*Mgalekgolo have ranks in the actor variant [[tag]]s. One variant is called 'Hunter' and another called 'Hunter major'.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', a single shot from a [[M6D Magnum|pistol]] or [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifle]] to any unarmored section will kill a Mgalekgolo; this is because Bungie programmed the Mgalekgolo's exposed flesh as a "head."
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', a Mgalekgolo's mass is enough to kill other characters if they push them against a surface. This can sometimes be seen in [[The Great Journey]], where friendly Mgalekgolo may accidentally crush Sangheili against walls.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', it is impossible to kill or even damage Mgalekgolo with melee attacks.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', a Mgalekgolo's shield can deflect projectiles that would almost always kill them in previous games, like [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] Mortars and shots from the [[M808B Scorpion]]'s main cannon.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Mgalekgolo have received a huge graphical overhaul. They are much more textured, are larger, have Forerunner symbols and emblems on their armor and appear to have some kind of eyes on their helmets.
*Mgalekgolo are also much tougher in ''Reach''. They are capable of surviving multiple explosive hits and even repeated plasma grenade sticks. Their back armor is much more durable, making their weak point harder to expose. They will also raise their shield vertically when being attacked from the front, covering both their neck and mid-section to protect themselves from incoming fire and are less likely to turn around and expose their back to the player.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', a near-miss from a Mgalekgolo's melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
*Although the Mgalekgolo present in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' use the ''Halo: Reach'' skin, they are almost half the size of their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts due to the much smaller skeleton frame used in the original game. Their abdomens also appear to be armored, though this armor doesn't protect from damage and it's purely cosmetic.
*In ''[[Halo 4]]'', Mgalekgolo perform melee attacks much faster than their predecessors, making it harder to dodge them. Like in ''Halo Reach'', a near-miss from a melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
*In ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', Mgalekgolo received a new skin that also incorporates abdominal armor, though this armor is also purely cosmetic and offers no protection whatsoever.
*In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', Mgalekgolo are far more lethal than their predecessors. Their melee strikes are now nearly impossible to dodge. They also utilize both firing modes of their assault cannons. They also appear to be far more durable than their predecessors. In addition, when one is killed, the remaining Mgalekgolo will go into a "rage", start emitting green electrical sparks, move faster and more aggressively, and will fire its assault cannon's close range attack twice in each volley.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', players can avoid Hunters at certain points during [[Assault on the Control Room]] and [[Mombasa Streets]], where some Hunters are "asleep" despite ostensibly being in their combat stance. The Hunters will not notice if the player is nearby unless the player attacks them or makes noises near them, similar to the way sleeping Grunts can be awakened by noises. In the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' level [[Assault on the Control Room]] on the lower level of the control room, the player can score a double-kill with one shot from a sniper rifle if they manage to catch a pair of "asleep" Hunters off-guard.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', splatter kills against Hunters are extremely easy due to the game mechanics allowing a small prod to instantly kill them. They often choose to avoid vehicles rather than engaging them head-on.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', when engaging [[Pod infector]]s at close range, Hunters will often try to shoot rather than melee them, killing themselves in the process. This could be due to their size making it difficult for them to aim properly.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Hunters are far more vulnerable than they are in later games. On any difficulty (even Legendary), they can be killed with a single shot to any unarmored part of their bodies. They are so vulnerable that even a single pistol shot can kill them.
*In later games, the best strategy for dealing with Hunters when there is no access to a weapon such as a [[M41 SPNKR|rocket launcher]] is to stick them with a {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}. The explosion will blow the back of their armor above the weak spot off, giving the player a wider area to target with their weapons. However, they still remain difficult to kill due to the need to dodge their attacks while aiming for the weak spot.
*In the ''Halo: Reach'' level ''[[New Alexandria]]'', the player runs into a situation where they fight four Hunters at once instead of just two. There is a rocket launcher available in the room this occurs in which is sufficient with proper targeting.
*In ''Halo 3: ODST'', Hunters are fairly easy to deal with compared to the later games in the ''Halo'' series, likely reflecting the fact that the player is no longer controlling a Spartan and is instead controlling weaker ODSTs. On lower difficulties at least, a good strategy is to blow off the back of a Hunter's armor with a {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}} and then rake their exposed back with fire. In that game, it doesn't take much fire to kill one once their back is fully exposed, especially compared to ''Halo: Reach'' when in a similar situation, Hunters are extremely hard to kill.
*A good weapon to use against Hunters when a rocket launcher or [[fuel rod gun]] is not available is a shotgun, particularly after a Hunter's armor has been blown off in the back. Ideal for close-range combat, shotgun blasts inflict more damage than weapons such as an assault rifle. In order to get a Hunter to expose their weakness, a player typically needs to get close enough to make the Hunter charge, generally ending with them in close proximity even when the Hunter is vulnerable. At this kind of proximity, a shotgun is ideal for its stopping power and close-combat effectiveness. In the ''Halo: Reach'' levels ''[[ONI: Sword Base]]'' and ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]'', shotguns can be found in close proximity to where the player encounters and fights Hunters.


====Naming====
===Miscellaneous===
Mgalekgolo have three names: a personal name, a bond name, and a line name. The personal name is given at their "birth". The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Mgalekgolo of its ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, its offspring will have its personal name as their line name. The bond name, or their middle name, is taken between bonded pairs, colonies that must split into two due to excessive size. Examples of some Mgalekgolo names include [[Igido Nosa Hurru]] and [[Ogada Nosa Fasu]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 163''</ref>
*Like most other races of the Covenant, Mgalekgolo's [[blood]] differs from that of humans. Mgalekgolo blood is bright, fluorescent orange and appears to have a very thick, slimy texture. It has also been noted that their blood smells strongly of burnt plastic, hinting that the make-up of their bodily fluids is drastically different from that of a [[human]].


==Homeworld==
==Gallery==
{{Main|Te}}
===Development images===
The homeworld of the Mgalekgolo was [[Te]], a large planet orbiting the star [[Svir system|Svir]]. It was home to approximately 1.98 trillion [[Lekgolo]] worms. Te is orbited by 25 moons, including [[Rantu]] and [[Uhtua]]. The planet has a high gravity and an atmosphere primarily composed of [[nitrogen]], [[helium]], and [[methane]]. Te is known to have very high concentrations of rare metals in its crust, many of which serve as food for the Lekgolo worms.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> As a space-faring species, the Mgalekgolo also have several colonies, including one near the [[Sangheili]] [[Urs system|home system]].<ref name="ch"/>
<gallery>
 
File:HCE Hunter Concept 1.png|Early concept art of a Hunter for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
==Ranking system==
File:HCE Hunter Concept 2.png|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
[[File:ODST TayariPlaza06.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[Edward Buck]] fighting a Golden Hunter on [[Tayari Plaza]].]]
File:HCE Hunter Concept 3.png|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
Unlike most Covenant forces, Mgalekgolo seem to possess no visible rank. As they are deployed more like equipment or weapons platforms rather than conventional troops, rank may simply not apply for them.
File:HCE Hunter Concept_4.jpg|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE EarlyHunters Screenshot.jpg|A pair of Mgalekgolo in an early build of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Hunter.jpg|A conceptual render of a Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Concept-H2-Hunter.jpg|Finalized concept art of a Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:HW Hunter_Sketch.jpg|Early sketch of a Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW_Hunter_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Mgalekgolo for ''Halo Wars''.
File:TheDuel Hunter Concept.png|Concept art of a Hunter in ''[[Halo Legends]]'' episode, ''[[The Duel]]''.
File:H4 GGHunter Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of the Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4_Hunter_Concept_1.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
File:H4_Hunter_Concept_2.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
File:H4_Hunter_Concept_3.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
File:H4-Render-Hunter.jpg|Render of the hi-poly model of a Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A - Mgalekgolo 1.jpg|3D render of the Mgalekgolo's body armor in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A - Mgalekgolo 2.jpg|Final render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G Hunter Concept 3.jpg|Concept art of a corrupted Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:HW2C-Hunters.jpg|Concept art of a Banished Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HINF Concept EarlyHunters.jpg|Early concept art exploration of Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF Concept EarlyHunters2.jpg|More early concept exploration.
File:HINF Concept EarlyHunter.jpg|More early concept exploration.
File:HINF Concept HunterThings.jpg|Early concept exploration of something relating to the Mgalekgolo, possibly of the Lekgolo worms themselves.
</gallery>


However, they can be deployed independently of other Covenant troops, which may indicate that a level of independence and responsibility may be granted, thus meaning that they may have a high enough rank to be trusted by themselves. During the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], Mgalekgolo are seen guarding the crystal in [[Côte d'Azur]], which is retrieved by [[Blue Team]]. Once of these Mgalekgolo killed a Kig-Yar by stepping on it, which may show that they are higher in rank than the Kig-Yar, although it is more likely that the Mgalekgolo merely did not care about the other alien's life.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 222''</ref> During the [[Battle of Onyx]], some Mgalekgolo apparently had command of lower-ranking Sangheili, even killing one of them for failing to follow orders, signifying they may have a higher military rank in the Covenant military than previously indicated.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 358''</ref>
===Screenshots and official artwork===
 
During the [[Battle of Mombasa]], Mgalekgolo appear in two different forms in two different colors: the normal blue-armored Mgalekgolo that are armed with an [[assault cannon]] that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel, and a gold-armored Mgalekgolo armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel.<ref name="ODST"/>
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}                                                           
*''Halo: The Flood'', mentions that Hunters have skin and a jutting spine. This is incorrect, as they were later revealed to be a compound of small worm-like creatures. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the worms may form a skin-like membrane on the outside of their colony for protection against more casual damage, and in ''Halo 3 ''a metal column can be seen after the back armor plating has been detached, perhaps forming an artificial "spine" for vertical support. Strangely, the reference to Hunters having spines was kept in the 2010 re-release of the novel.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''' (2010), page 181</ref>
*At first, Hunters were meant to comprise the whole of [[Heretic]] forces on the [[Threshold gas mine]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3 Essentials]]''': ''Disk ??''</ref>
*The Hunter was inspired by the [[w:c:marathongame:Pfhor|Pfhor]] [[w:c:marathongame:Hunter|Hunter]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series, as well as by the [[w:c:marathongame:Drinniol|Drinniol]], or Hulk, from the original ''Marathon''. However, the Pfhor Hunter is actually a class of power armored soldier with a shoulder-mounted cannon rather than an arm-mounted cannon. The Drinniol also inspired the creation of the [[Sharquoi|Drinol]], Covenant species that was designed for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' but was cut during development.
*Like most other races of the Covenant, Hunters' blood differs from that of humans. Mgalekgolo blood is bright, fluorescent orange and appears to have a very thick, slimy texture. It has also been noted that their blood smells strongly of burnt plastic, hinting that the make-up of their bodily fluids is drastically different from that of a human.
*When combating Hunters, a player can 'leapfrog' the charging melee attack, either jumping above or to the side of the Hunter. This exposes the rear armor to a quick shotgun blast or grenade stick, often resulting in death on lower difficulties. Although this tactic does not work as well on ''Halo 3: ODST'', simply circling around behind the Hunter at the right time works the same way.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', it is possible to splatter a Hunter with a [[M274 Mongoose]].
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' Hunters are not harmed by [[Type-33 fuel rod gun]]s. This may be because you're not supposed to have Fuel Rod guns in Campaign, or it may be a precaution meant to prevent Hunters from injuring each other when fighting.
*Hunters have ranks in the actor variant [[tag]]s. One variant is called 'Hunter' and another called 'Hunter major'.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', a single shot from a pistol or sniper rifle to any non armored section will kill a Hunter; this is likely because the Hunter's exposed flesh was considered to be its "head."
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', it is impossible to kill or even damage a Hunter with a melee attack.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', a Hunter's shield can deflect projectiles that would almost always kill them in previous games, like Wraith Mortars and shots from the [[M808B Scorpion]]'s main cannon.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Hunters have received a huge graphical overhaul. They are much more textured, are larger, have Forerunner symbols and emblems on their armor and appear to have some kind of eyes on their helmets.
*Hunters are also much tougher in ''Reach''. They are capable of surviving multiple explosive hits and even repeated plasma grenade sticks. Their back armor is much more durable, making their weak point harder to expose. They will also raise their shield vertically when being attacked from the front, covering both their neck and mid-section to protect themselves from incoming fire and are less likely to turn around and expose their back to the player.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', a near-miss from a Hunter's melee will cause the player's screen to shake violently.
*Although the Hunters present in ''Halo: Anniversary'' use the ''Halo: Reach'' skin, the Hunters are almost half the size of their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts due to the much smaller skeleton frame used in the original game. Their abdomens also appear to be armored, though this armor doesn't do anything and they're just as vulnerable as they were in the original game.
*No Hunters are ever seen supporting the [[John-117|Master Chief]] during the events of ''[[Halo 3]]''. This is because in the making of ''Halo 3'', [[Bungie]] did not want to confuse players by having them with both the Covenant separatists and loyalists so they were only shown as loyalists.
*Despite appearing on the cover of ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' none actually appear in game.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Early Hunter.jpg|Early concept art of a Hunter for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:HaloCE-MgalekgoloHunter.png|Final in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', with [[assault cannon|gun]] raised.
File:Hunter.jpg|A conceptual render of a Hunter as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-MgalekgoloHunterAlt.png|Alternate preview of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', crouched behind its massive shield.
File:HaloCE-MgalekgoloHunter.png|Final in-game view of the Hunter as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', with gun raised.
File:Hunter1.jpg|A Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-MgalekgoloHunterAlt.png|Alternate preview of the Hunter in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', crouched behind its massive shield.
File:HCE-IgidoOgado.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Ceahunter.png| Hunter in Halo CE: Anniversary
File:H2-AltMgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in combat stance in ''Halo 2''.
File:Hunter1.jpg|A Mgalekgolo as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2-MgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo running in ''Halo 2''.
File:HCEA-MgalekgoloHunter.png|In-game preview of the Hunter as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:Huntercrouched.jpg|A Mgalekgolo preparing to launch a melee attack in ''Halo 2''.
File:Concept-H2-Hunter.jpg|Finalized concept art of a Hunter for ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H3-BlueHunter.png|An in-game view of the blue-armored Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H2-AltMgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Hunter in combat stance in ''Halo 2''.
File:Hunter FireCharge.jpg|A Mgalekgolo about to fire its assault cannon.
File:H2-MgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Hunter running as it appears in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3_Hunter_AssaultBeam.jpg|A Mgalekgolo firing its assault cannon.
File:Huntercrouched.jpg|A Hunter preparing to launch a melee attack in ''Halo 2''.
File:Hunter BloodBond.jpg|A Mgalekgolo pair in combat in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-BlueHunter.png|An in-game view of the blue-armored Hunter in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:HW Hunter Render.jpg|A pair of Mgalekgolo from ''Halo Wars''.
File:Hunter FireCharge.jpg|A Hunter about to fire its assault cannon.
File:HW Hunter Model.png|The Mgalekgolo's final model from ''Halo Wars''.
File:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon in Action.jpg|A Hunter firing its assault cannon.
File:HW Hunterscloseup.jpg|Closeup of Hunters in-game
File:Hunter BloodBond.jpg|A Hunter pair in combat in ''Halo 3''.
File:HW bondedshield.jpg|Hunters with Bonded Shield Upgrade
File:Cov Hunter.jpg|Concept art of a Hunter for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW Huntergroup.jpg|Squads of Hunters on the move
File:Covenant hunter.gif|A pair of Hunters from ''Halo Wars''.
File:H3ODST-GoldHunter.png|An in-game view of the gold-armored Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:H3ODST-GoldHunter.png|An in-game view of the gold-armored Hunter in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST GoldHunters 1.png|A pair of gold Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Gold Hunter.png|A pair of gold Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Hunter blood.jpg|Mgalekgolo blood in ''Halo 3: ODST''. Note the blood's luminosity.
File:Hunter blood.jpg|Mgalekgolo blood in ''Halo 3: ODST''. Note the blood's luminosity.
File:HLHunters.png|The Hunters as they appear in the ''[[Halo Legends]]'' episode, ''[[The Duel]]''.
File:HLHunters.png|A larger form of Mgalekgolo in the ''The Duel''.
File:HReach - Mgalekgolo.png|The Hunter as seen in the [[Halo: Reach Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Beta]].  
File:HBL-Bestthingever.png|A Mgalekgolo carrying three [[Unggoy Minor]]s during the [[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]] in ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''.
File:HReach-MgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Hunter in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', final build.
File:HReach - Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo in the [[Halo: Reach Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Beta]].  
File:HunterPairReach.jpg|A group of Hunters ready to attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach-MgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' final build.
File:HunterFirefight.jpg|A Hunter about to launch a melee attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HunterPairReach.jpg|A group of Mgalekgolo ready to attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Hunter99.jpg|A Hunter on [[Corvette (level)|Corvette]].
File:HunterFirefight.jpg|A Mgalekgolo about to launch a melee attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:FUD-Hunter.jpg|A Hunter in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
File:Reach Hunter-1-.jpg|One of the Hunter pairs defending a covenant jammer in New Alexandria
File:FUD-Hunter-Closeup.jpg|A close-up of a Hunter's helmet in ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''.
File:Hunter99.jpg|A Mgalekgolo on [[Corvette (map)|Corvette]].
File:H4-Render-Hunter.jpg|Conceptual three-dimensional render of a Hunter in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:Ceahunter.png|Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:H4-Campaign-MasterChief-Vs-Hunter.jpg|[[John-117]] battling a Hunter in ''Halo 4''.
File:HCEA-MgalekgoloHunter.png|In-game preview of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-OgadoIgido.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu protect the Cartographer Facility in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-IgidoOgadoMelee.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu preparing to launch simultaneous melee attacks.
File:FUD-Hunter.jpg|A Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
File:FUD-Hunter-Closeup.jpg|A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''.
File:H4 profile - Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 4''
File:H4-Campaign-MasterChief-Vs-Hunter.jpg|[[John-117]] battling a Mgalekgolo during the [[Raid on Ivanoff Station]].
File:HE19 PalmerfightsHunter.jpg|[[Sarah Palmer]] fighting a Mgalekgolo in a [[War Games]] simulation in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:H2A Render Mgalekgolo.png|A render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A Mgalekgolo.png|Render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-SOSMgalekgolo.png|Mgalekgolo at the Bastion of the Brutes.
File:H2A-TallMgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo standing straight.
File:H2A-Mgalekgoloface.png|A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|Pre-Covenant Mgalekgolo in [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|''Halo 2: Anniversary''{{'}}s terminals]].
File:H5G-MgalekgoloHunter.png|A Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-Hunterforming.png|A Mgalekgolo being formed aboard the ''[[Argent Moon]]''.
File:H5G-BerserkHunter.png|A Hunter going berserk aboard the ''Argent Moon'' as their bond has been broken.
File:Hunters 249.png|First pair of Hunters engaged by [[Fireteam Osiris]] on the [[landing zone]] at Sanghelios.
File:Brave warrior.png|An enraged Mgalekgolo and a Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili Storm dueling.
File:H5G-TrappedMgalekgolo.png|A Hunter trapped by [[031 Exuberant Witness]] on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-WarzoneHunters.png|Two Legendary Mgalekgolo part of a War Games simulation.
File:H5G-WarzoneHunter.png|A Serpent Mgalekgolo on [[Escape from ARC]].
File:H5G Marketing E32015HE ElderHunter.jpg|A hologram of an Elder Mgalekgolo.
FilE:ElderHunterA.png|An Elder Mgalekgolo on [[Raid on Apex 7]].
FilE:ElderHunterB.png|Another Elder Mgalekgolo on Raid on Apex 7.
File:H5G-Mgalekgolo.png|Render of a Remnant Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5-Serpent Hunter.png|Render of a Serpent Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-MythicMgalekgolo.png|A Mythic Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HW2B Banished Hunters.png|Banished Mgalekgolo in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2-Hunter Render.jpg|Render of the ''Halo Wars 2'' Hunter unit.
File:HW2 Blitz Hunters.png|[[Blitz]] card of a Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 - Colony.png|"Colony" the Banished [[leader]] of the Lekgolo.
File:HW2-HuntersvsMarines.png|Hunters fighting Marines on Installation 00.
File:HW2-Colonyhunters.png|A Hunter Captain, Goliath, and Hunter bond brother pair in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HCL Icons 6.jpg|The Hunter figure from the sixth [[Halo Legendary Crate]].
File:HINF Hunter.png|A Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Hunters.png|A pair of Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF DamagedHunter.png|A Banished Mgalekgolo's exposed back.
File:HINF HunterSlam.png|A Mgalekgolo melees the ground.
File:HINF BerserkHunter.png|A Mgalekgolo berserks after its bond brother was killed.
File:HINF-Hunters@Spire.jpg|Banished Mgalekgolo at the base of a [[Reformation Spire]].
File:HINF BanishedHunters.png|Ardent Mgalekgolo in water.
File:HINF-HunterOfficers.jpg|Ardent Mgalekgolo patrolling.
File:Enc22-Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo worm as they appear in the [[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]].
File:HINF-TrolliHunter.jpg|A Mgalekgolo made out of [[Wikipedia:Trolli|Trolli]] candies.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''  
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''  
**''[[Blunt Instruments]]''
**''[[Blunt Instruments]]''
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**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
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*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Breaking Strain]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Emergence]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{reflist|2}}  
{{Ref/Sources|2}}
 
{{Lekgolo}}
{{Navbox/Species}}


{{Covenant}}
[[Category:Mgalekgolo| ]]
[[Category:Living Organisms]]
[[Category:Lekgolo]]
[[Category:Covenant Species]]
[[Category:Sapient species]]
[[Category:Covenant species]]

Latest revision as of 08:20, October 21, 2024

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This article is about the species. For the armor, see HUNTER-class Mjolnir.
Mgalekgolo
(Ophis congregatio)
Render of a Mgalekgolo in Halo Infinite. Included as part of the magazine kit linked to in this tweet.
Physical information

Avg. height:

12'1" (368.7 cm)-12'3" (373.4 cm)[1][2]

Avg. weight:

10,000 pounds (4,500 kg)-11,000 pounds (5,000 kg)[1][2]

Distinctions:

A single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called Lekgolo

Sociocultural information

Homeworld:

Te

Notable individuals:

Also known as:

Hunter
Can o' Worms
Ogre
Worm-guts

 

"They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things."
Bungie[3]

The Mgalekgolo[4] (Ophis congregatio, meaning "serpent union"),[5] is a gestalt of Lekgolo, which are small worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. Of the myriad Lekgolo collectives, the best known is the Mgalekgolo or Hunter, a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault. Ironically, the Mgalekgolo is among the least common Lekgolo configurations, but due to their formidable combat capabilities they are most commonly fielded by the Covenant.[4] While the term "Mgalekgolo" is formally limited to this particular type of Lekgolo gestalt with the other forms having different names,[2][4] it is sometimes applied to other Lekgolo colonies as well, such as that used to operate the Deutoros-pattern Scarab, or the Goliaths employed by the Banished.[6]

History[edit]

"The Hunters have come to our aid, Arbiter. They will fight by our side."
— A Special Operations Sangheili during the Battle of Installation 05.[7]

After the formation of the Covenant, early experiments with the Luminaries reverse-engineered from the Forerunner Dreadnought in High Charity led the Covenant to the Lekgolo homeworld Te, which was located near Urs, the home system of the Sangheili. While the San'Shyuum and Sangheili hoped to find a treasure trove of Forerunner artifacts, they instead found hives of Lekgolo inside orbital rings surrounding the planet. The rings were in fact the destroyed remains of an ancient Forerunner installation in orbit. The relics had been the Lekgolo's food for millennia, and the orbital rings were actually composed of digested-and-destroyed Forerunner relics that some of the Lekgolo had been consuming.[8]

Jeht facing off against naked Mgalekgolo in their natural unarmored form.

Enraged by the Lekgolo's "desecration" of Forerunner relics, the Covenant began a military campaign against the Lekgolo. After facing considerable difficulty eradicating the creatures,[4][8] Arbiter Jeht 'Lcmutee was sent to study the Lekgolo for a full year on Rantu, one of Te's moons. It was there that the Arbiter witnessed the Lekgolo combine into Mgalekgolo to battle him, forming around a series of rocks to support their bipedal forms.[9] Recognizing the potential of the gestalts, 'Lcmutee returned to High Charity and suggested that the Lekgolo be inducted into the Covenant. However, the Lekgolo initially resisted, leading to a conflict between them and the Covenant. While the Mgalekgolo won most of the time on the ground, they faced extinction and were forced into the Covenant by the superior starship technology of the Sangheili.[10] This event later came to be known amongst the Covenant as the "Taming of the Lekgolo". The Covenant may have used Sharquoi armor designs for the Mgalekgolo armor.[11]

The Mgalekgolo gestalts, armed with thick armor plates and assault cannons, would come to serve the Covenant as shock troops. Numerous Mgalekgolo participated in the Human-Covenant War. During the Great Schism, most Mgalekgolo pairs sided with the Sangheili, though others remained with the Prophet of Truth and the main body of the Covenant.[7] There is no known reason for the split in loyalty.[4]

During the further conflicts in the wake of the Human-Covenant War many Mgalekgolo would fight on behalf of Jul 'Mdama's new Covenant order against humanity and Swords of Sanghelios. These Mgalekgolo participated in the battles of Requiem, Nuusra, Sunaion, and Genesis.[12][13] Others would remain loyal to Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and his Swords of Sanghelios.[14] Several would join Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group and partake in the Battle of Ealen IV.[15] Mgalekgolo that were a part of the Banished were unusually aggressive and may have been forced into service.[16] These Mgalekgolo would be deployed by the Banished against the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire during the Second Ark Conflict.[17] During Operation: SPEARBREAKER, a Banished Mgalekgolo known as Colony led an effort to destroy the Spirit of Fire with a Forerunner Despair-class fighter.[18]

During the Battle for Zeta Halo in May 2560, the Master Chief faced a number of Mgalekgolo in service of the Banished. His new AI companion, the Weapon, was confused when he identified the creatures as Hunters, having no idea what a Banished or a Hunter even was and then deciding that she didn't want to know the answer to what they hunted. One of the targets of opportunity that the Master Chief went after on the Halo ring was a Mgalekgolo pair known as Myriad who, much like Colony, trended towards a more individualized identity rather than being a part of a subservient hivemind. Another Mgalekgolo pair were sent after the Master Chief by War Chief Escharum in the arena on the second level of the House of Reckoning while the Master Chief was fighting his way through the Banished stronghold in order to rescue Fernando Esparza.[19]

Description[edit]

Culture[edit]

Main article: Lekgolo § Culture

Mgalekgolo almost never associate or communicate with other species other than the Sangheili. They are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant to the "lesser" species, and are contemptuous to their foes.[10]

Anatomy and physiology[edit]

Lekgolo worms on a Mgalekgolo's exposed back.
Main article: Lekgolo

A Mgalekgolo is not a single organism, but rather a collective of small, orange, eel-like creatures called Lekgolo. In order to form a Mgalekgolo, dozens of individual Lekgolo bond with one another both physically and neurologically to form a single "hive-minded" community.[20] The Mgalekgolo is the most common form seen in combat during the Human-Covenant War, but is actually one of the rarer and smaller forms in the Lekgolo society, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy.[4] Their primary combat tactic is an approximation of a hunter-killer formation, hence the name "Hunter".[2] Because of their combined neural nets' sensitivity to their surroundings, Mgalekgolo can think and work as an effective combat unit without even using verbal communication. They can also locate their enemies even without directly "seeing" them, such as when they are facing the opposite direction.

Mgalekgolo do not use vocal chords to speak, but instead vibrate their bodies to make a low rumble to produce speech. They are capable of mimicking the language of other species, forming words and sentences that are "felt" rather than heard. Their quiet nature among other races of the Covenant is probably a result of difficulty speaking with other Covenant races. The known names of some Mgalekgolo seem to imply that they use very simple vowels and only a few consonants.

Mgalekgolo usually stand between twelve to thirteen feet tall, but during combat they hunch themselves over to protect their vulnerable neck and midsection, reducing their height to roughly eight feet. They fight using assault cannons integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous two-ton pavise shield made of an alloy derived from the same material that forms Covenant warship hulls.[2] Mgalekgolo body armor is eight centimeters thick, with the shield being even thicker.[21] Their shields and armor protect them from almost every form of plasma-based or ballistic weaponry available to Covenant and human infantry alike, and the shield is a powerful melee tool capable of crushing anything in its path and allowing the Mgalekgolo to neutralize most enemies in close combat. However their heavy protection is inadequate against dedicated anti-tank weapons, with 102mm HEAT warheads,[22] 105mm recoiless rifles,[23] and 90mm high-velocity tank cannons taking them out with ease.[24] The M149 Magellan 105mm recoiless rifle is even capable of over-penetrating both the pavise and the armor with a delayed fuse round.[25] There are a few weak spots in the armor however, such as the lower back where they are vulnerable to regular weaponry. However, due to their sheer size and speed, it is difficult for enemies to hit these spots. Their arm-mounted shield was the basis for an avenue of UNSC research which produced an early prototype shield of human origin.[26]

The assault cannon the Mgalekgolo wields operates in two modes; one firing a single explosive capsule of incendiary fluid,[12][27][28] the other spraying the fluid out like a beam.[29][30][31]

Bond brothers[edit]

When a single Mgalekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independent Lekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers", or "mates".[32] Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which means that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.[8] Bonded Mgalekgolo colonies are dropped into battle together by the Covenant, as the Spartans learned: where you find a Mgalekgolo, there is always another close by. If one of the bonded colonies is killed, the other will go into a frenzied state, much like the berserk state of a Jiralhanae, or the suicidal charge of a desperate Unggoy. If left alone for a long period of time, however, they will adopt a "tactical split personality" of shooting followed by melee attacks. On one occasion a Mgalekgolo whose bond brother was killed went berserk killing its allies aboard the crashed Radiant Perception and eventually became suicidal.[33]

Naming[edit]

Mgalekgolo have three names: a personal name, a bond name, and a line name. When written with the Roman or Latin alphabet, the three names can be transposed together as one single name or separated by spaces.

  • The personal name is given at their "birth".[10]
  • The bond name, or their middle name, is taken between bonded pairs. Examples of some Mgalekgolo names include Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogada Nosa Fasu.[34]
  • The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Mgalekgolo of its ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, its offspring will have its personal name as their line name.[10]

Ranking system[edit]

Unlike most Covenant forces, Mgalekgolo seem to possess presumably no visible rank. As they are deployed more like equipment or weapons platforms rather than conventional troops, rank may simply not apply for them.[citation needed]

However, they can be deployed independently of other Covenant troops, which may indicate that a level of independence and responsibility may be granted, thus meaning that they may have a high enough rank to be trusted by themselves. During the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV, Mgalekgolo are seen guarding the crystal in Côte d'Azur, which is retrieved by Blue Team. One of these Mgalekgolo killed a Kig-Yar by stepping on it,[35] demonstrating the Lekgolo colonies' characteristic disregard for the lives of other species, whom they generally view as annoyances rather than allies.[2] During the Onyx Conflict, some Mgalekgolo apparently had command of lower-ranking Sangheili, even killing one of them for failing to follow orders, signifying they may have a higher military rank in the Covenant military than previously indicated.[36]

During the Battle of Mombasa, Mgalekgolo appeared in two different forms in two different colors: the normal blue-armored Mgalekgolo that are armed with an assault cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel, and a gold-armored Mgalekgolo armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel.[28]

Several Mgalekgolo under the command of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant were given the leading rank of Swarmlord, and their prowess led them to be employed as simulated enemies in UNSC War Games.[29]

By 2559, the Banished also utilized two specialist Mgalekgolo ranks, the defensive Mgalekgolo Ironclad and the aggressive Mgalekgolo Scarred[37], in addition to the standard Mgalekgolo. The Banished Lekgolo forces on the Ark were also found to be directed by powerful Mgalekgolo Captains, under the command of the pair known as "Colony". These Captains are linked directly to "Colony" and Banished Lekgolo colonies operate at full efficiency while Captains are on the field.[38] During the Battle for Zeta Halo, the Banished also deployed the red armored, more aggressive rank of Ardent Mgalekgolo.[39]

Trivia[edit]

Production notes[edit]

  • Halo: The Flood, mentions that Mgalekgolo have skin and a jutting spine. This is incorrect, as they were later revealed to be a compound of small worm-like creatures. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the worms may form a skin-like membrane on the outside of their colony for protection against more casual damage, and in Halo 3 a metal column can be seen after the back armor plating has been detached, perhaps forming an artificial "spine" for vertical support. Strangely, the reference to Mgalekgolo having spines was kept in the 2010 re-release of the novel.[40]
  • At first, Mgalekgolo were meant to comprise the whole of Heretic forces on the Threshold gas mine.[41]
  • The Mgalekgolo was inspired by the Pfhor Hunter from the Marathon series, as well as by the Drinniol, or Hulk, from the original Marathon. However, the Pfhor Hunter is actually a class of power armored soldier with a shoulder-mounted cannon rather than an arm-mounted cannon. The Drinniol also inspired the creation of the Drinol, Covenant species that was designed for Halo: Combat Evolved but was cut during development.
  • No Mgalekgolo are ever seen supporting the Master Chief during the events of Halo 3. This is because in the making of Halo 3, Bungie did not want to confuse players by having them with both allies and enemies.
  • Despite appearing on the cover of Halo: Spartan Assault none actually appear in game.
  • In the Halo Legends episode The Duel, the Mgalekgolo are shown to be at least 50 feet tall. This was explained by Frank O'Connor saying that a Hunter's appearance changes due to the gravity and environment.

Gameplay[edit]

  • When combating Mgalekgolo, a player can 'leapfrog' the charging melee attack, either jumping above or to the side of the Mgalekgolo. This exposes the rear armor to a quick shotgun blast or grenade stick, often resulting in death on lower difficulties. Although this tactic does not work as well on Halo 3: ODST, simply circling around behind the Mglekgolo at the right time works the same way.
  • In Halo 3, it is possible to splatter a Mgalekgolo with an M274 Mongoose.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, Mgalekgolo are not harmed by fuel rod guns. This may be because you're not supposed to have fuel rod guns in campaign, or it may be a precaution meant to prevent Mgalekgolo from injuring each other when fighting.
  • Mgalekgolo have ranks in the actor variant tags. One variant is called 'Hunter' and another called 'Hunter major'.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, a single shot from a pistol or sniper rifle to any unarmored section will kill a Mgalekgolo; this is because Bungie programmed the Mgalekgolo's exposed flesh as a "head."
  • In Halo 2, a Mgalekgolo's mass is enough to kill other characters if they push them against a surface. This can sometimes be seen in The Great Journey, where friendly Mgalekgolo may accidentally crush Sangheili against walls.
  • In Halo 2, it is impossible to kill or even damage Mgalekgolo with melee attacks.
  • In Halo Wars, a Mgalekgolo's shield can deflect projectiles that would almost always kill them in previous games, like Wraith Mortars and shots from the M808B Scorpion's main cannon.
  • In Halo: Reach, Mgalekgolo have received a huge graphical overhaul. They are much more textured, are larger, have Forerunner symbols and emblems on their armor and appear to have some kind of eyes on their helmets.
  • Mgalekgolo are also much tougher in Reach. They are capable of surviving multiple explosive hits and even repeated plasma grenade sticks. Their back armor is much more durable, making their weak point harder to expose. They will also raise their shield vertically when being attacked from the front, covering both their neck and mid-section to protect themselves from incoming fire and are less likely to turn around and expose their back to the player.
  • In Halo: Reach, a near-miss from a Mgalekgolo's melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
  • Although the Mgalekgolo present in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary use the Halo: Reach skin, they are almost half the size of their Halo: Reach counterparts due to the much smaller skeleton frame used in the original game. Their abdomens also appear to be armored, though this armor doesn't protect from damage and it's purely cosmetic.
  • In Halo 4, Mgalekgolo perform melee attacks much faster than their predecessors, making it harder to dodge them. Like in Halo Reach, a near-miss from a melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
  • In Halo 2: Anniversary, Mgalekgolo received a new skin that also incorporates abdominal armor, though this armor is also purely cosmetic and offers no protection whatsoever.
  • In Halo 5: Guardians, Mgalekgolo are far more lethal than their predecessors. Their melee strikes are now nearly impossible to dodge. They also utilize both firing modes of their assault cannons. They also appear to be far more durable than their predecessors. In addition, when one is killed, the remaining Mgalekgolo will go into a "rage", start emitting green electrical sparks, move faster and more aggressively, and will fire its assault cannon's close range attack twice in each volley.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 3: ODST, players can avoid Hunters at certain points during Assault on the Control Room and Mombasa Streets, where some Hunters are "asleep" despite ostensibly being in their combat stance. The Hunters will not notice if the player is nearby unless the player attacks them or makes noises near them, similar to the way sleeping Grunts can be awakened by noises. In the Halo: Combat Evolved level Assault on the Control Room on the lower level of the control room, the player can score a double-kill with one shot from a sniper rifle if they manage to catch a pair of "asleep" Hunters off-guard.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, splatter kills against Hunters are extremely easy due to the game mechanics allowing a small prod to instantly kill them. They often choose to avoid vehicles rather than engaging them head-on.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, when engaging Pod infectors at close range, Hunters will often try to shoot rather than melee them, killing themselves in the process. This could be due to their size making it difficult for them to aim properly.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, Hunters are far more vulnerable than they are in later games. On any difficulty (even Legendary), they can be killed with a single shot to any unarmored part of their bodies. They are so vulnerable that even a single pistol shot can kill them.
  • In later games, the best strategy for dealing with Hunters when there is no access to a weapon such as a rocket launcher is to stick them with a Anskum-pattern plasma grenade. The explosion will blow the back of their armor above the weak spot off, giving the player a wider area to target with their weapons. However, they still remain difficult to kill due to the need to dodge their attacks while aiming for the weak spot.
  • In the Halo: Reach level New Alexandria, the player runs into a situation where they fight four Hunters at once instead of just two. There is a rocket launcher available in the room this occurs in which is sufficient with proper targeting.
  • In Halo 3: ODST, Hunters are fairly easy to deal with compared to the later games in the Halo series, likely reflecting the fact that the player is no longer controlling a Spartan and is instead controlling weaker ODSTs. On lower difficulties at least, a good strategy is to blow off the back of a Hunter's armor with a Anskum-pattern plasma grenade and then rake their exposed back with fire. In that game, it doesn't take much fire to kill one once their back is fully exposed, especially compared to Halo: Reach when in a similar situation, Hunters are extremely hard to kill.
  • A good weapon to use against Hunters when a rocket launcher or fuel rod gun is not available is a shotgun, particularly after a Hunter's armor has been blown off in the back. Ideal for close-range combat, shotgun blasts inflict more damage than weapons such as an assault rifle. In order to get a Hunter to expose their weakness, a player typically needs to get close enough to make the Hunter charge, generally ending with them in close proximity even when the Hunter is vulnerable. At this kind of proximity, a shotgun is ideal for its stopping power and close-combat effectiveness. In the Halo: Reach levels ONI: Sword Base and The Pillar of Autumn, shotguns can be found in close proximity to where the player encounters and fights Hunters.

Miscellaneous[edit]

  • Like most other races of the Covenant, Mgalekgolo's blood differs from that of humans. Mgalekgolo blood is bright, fluorescent orange and appears to have a very thick, slimy texture. It has also been noted that their blood smells strongly of burnt plastic, hinting that the make-up of their bodily fluids is drastically different from that of a human.

Gallery[edit]

Development images[edit]

Screenshots and official artwork[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 141
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Waypoint: Lekgolo/Mgalekgolo
  3. ^ Bungie.net, Bungie Weekly Update 08/14/09
  4. ^ a b c d e f Bestiarum
  5. ^ HBO Forums: Bestiaium Latin names translated
  6. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 163
  7. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
  8. ^ a b c Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 269-271
  9. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary: Terminal 8
  10. ^ a b c d Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets
  11. ^ Halo: Envoy, page 186
  12. ^ a b Halo 4
  13. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, H5
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint Store - Swords of Sanghelios Tee
  15. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 2
  16. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Hunters
  17. ^ Halo Wars 2
  18. ^ Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER
  19. ^ Halo Infinite
  20. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 267
  21. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 218
  22. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 183
  23. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 363
  24. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 242
  25. ^ Halo Legends: Prototype
  26. ^ Halo 2 for Windows Vista, Easy difficulty shield (File link)
  27. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved
  28. ^ a b Halo 3: ODST
  29. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "H5G" defined multiple times with different content
  30. ^ Halo 2
  31. ^ Halo 3
  32. ^ Halo: The Flood, "Chapter ??", page ??
  33. ^ Halo: Smoke and Shadow, page ???
  34. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 163
  35. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 222
  36. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 358
  37. ^ Halo Wars 2, gamemode Blitz
  38. ^ Halo Waypoint Canon Fodder - Leggo my Lekgolo
  39. ^ Halo Infinite, gamemode Campaign
  40. ^ Halo: The Flood (2010), page 181
  41. ^ Halo 3 Essentials: Disk ??